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Frelinghuysen issues statement in support of bill to fund NNSA

U.S. Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen issued a statement on House floor on Friday in support of a bill to fund the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Frelinghuysen, the chairman for the House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee, said that H.J. Res. 76, the Nuclear Weapon Security and Non-Proliferation Act would continue funding for the NNSA at the current funding level through December 15. Frelinghuysen said funding for the NNSA was needed without interruption to ensure the nation's nuclear security.

"The National Nuclear Security Administration is responsible for maintaining our nuclear deterrent, securing vulnerable nuclear materials around the world to keep them out of the hands of terrorists, and supporting our Navy's nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers," Frelinghuysen said. "Funds will be used to keep the doors open so our scientists and engineers can keep our nuclear arsenal at the ready and our nuclear fleet operating efficiently. These vital programs keep our country safe and secure, and require well trained, dedicated personnel."

Frelinghuysen said the NNSA would need to shut down as early as Thursday to preserve remaining funds for the the protection of nuclear materials and other essential functions. He said the interruption of a nuclear production operation would result in higher costs and make it tougher to maintain an aging stockpile.

Frelinghuysen also said the U.S. must sustain NNSA nonproliferation work overseas and ensure nuclear deterrents have adequate support through the Naval Reactors program.

"Until we get back to regular order, this bill will provide funding critical to this nation's security, and I urge my colleagues to support it," Frelinghuysen said.